Friday, April 29, 2011

This evening, I've visited again Marina's grave at Ruhleben Cemetery, Berlin, Germany, to celebrate her 59th birthday. I was'nt there since December 24, 2010. On Christmas Eve, it was very could and I had to move a little bit of snow to show her placed picture and the two sculptures again. Unfortunately, I took no picture of this impressive scenario (maybe next winter). Today, I cleaned up the grave, planted pieces of meadow and moss, and decorated the grave with a single "wild" rose (liked by Marina trought the years of our relationship) together with a branch of white lilac, two branches of other white blossoms, and some pinewood torches. So I hope, that should be a good solution because I'm currently not able to take care of the grave every week.

After that, I decided to walk home on foot for first time. It took me two hours to reach my home near Berlin's Ku'damm. But it was a nice evening trip, thinking about Marina all the time. In the future, I will make this trip again every year and I will call it "Marina's memorial trip"...

At home again, while making this entry, on my desktop I placed some archived pictures of Marina and I lighted a candle.

Again, it was a visit to the past with a lot of tear drops. And let me tell you: Loosing a loved one so early because of deadly cancer is very, very hard...

Current view of the grave. Please note the white and pink rose on top of my latest flower arrangement. Meanwhile, there are three new graves further right since Marina's burial at the Buddhistic urnfield on July 30, 2010. (Photo by Joachim Jacob)

Close-up shot. The merry guardian angel was added by me later last year just after the ground squirrel. Both sculptures sustained the hard winter very good. The watchful squirrel is securing her grave, and the angel is protecting her soul. (Photo by Joachim Jacob)

Please note: This unique Warthog News blog is dedicated in honor of Marina Naumann, my latest female partner who died after incurable pancreas cancer on June 17, 2010, just only a half year after diagnosis. Marina was the second true wife in my life, and she always supported my long-year enthusiastic research work on the "Hog", especially since the beginning of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Rest in peace, Marina.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Today, from a new personal contact I've got the following exclusive pictures of A-10 81-0963 from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem AB, Germany.

The first two pictures were taken during the AEF 1/2 (Cycle 6) rotation (May - August 2006). The 81st EFS deployed together with 6 aircraft from the 303rd FS, 442nd FW (AFRC), Whiteman AFB, Missouri:

A-10 81-0963. Visible loadout (from right): AN/ARC-235 FACE pod on station 1, LAU-131 Rocket Pod on station 2, SUU-25 Flare Dispenser on station 3, GBU-12, AN/AAQ-28 LITENING AT targeting pod on station 9. Picture taken from a tanker. Date of shot should be May 26, 2006. (Courtesy photo)

A-10 81-0963. Visible loadout (from left): AN/AAQ-28 LITENING AT targeting pod on station 9, Mk 82, GBU-12, AN/ARC-235 FACE pod on station 1. Picture taken from a tanker. Date of shot should be June 10, 2006. (Courtesy photo)

4/27/2011 - EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A group of Airmen work against the clock, turning wrenches to attach weapons, while painting and fabricating the body of their "aircraft."

For 36 hours straight, the team of eight Airmen - seven from Edwards and one from Moody Air Force Base, Ga. - built an A-10 Thunderbolt II on four wheels, complete with shark teeth, which often appear on operational A-10s.

Competing on a military episode of "Car Warriors," a car-building competition series on the Speed Channel, the Air Force team accepted the show's challenge to turn a bare race car into a vehicle reflecting the episode's theme, "NASCAR Death Race Machine."

"We had to do the interior, full paint and body work, and then we had to do fabrication," said James Coppi, the team captain and 412th Maintenance Squadron Munitions Custody account manager. "We had a lot of guns - movie prop Gatling guns, machine guns, rocket launchers, grenades - that we had to incorporate into the car. Since we're an Air Force team, we came up with an Air Force theme, so we painted the car to look like an A-10 aircraft."

The team took time to briefly plan their design and spent the next 35 hours executing their mission. With each Airman having a specific role, Mr. Coppi recalls the team working like a "well-oiled machine."

"It was very systematic being that all the guys on the team [have been] military and are all used to following orders," said Mr. Coppi. "We planned the car and built it exactly how we planned."

The 36-hour time constraint was not the only challenge facing the Air Force team. Dressed in red shirts, the All-Star team, comprised of "well-known builders in the industry," according to Mr. Coppi, also added to the stress of the show's challenge.

During the episode's premier April 20, members of the team congregated around the TV at Mr. Coppi's home to watch their 15 minutes of fame, and recalled the minimal trash-talking between the two teams and laughed at the show's editing.

"Most of it is Hollywood," laughed 2nd Lt. Nicholas Baker, 412th Flight Test Squadron, Speckled Trout Current Operations, who received criticism on the show for taking a "long" time to install the car's sound system.

During taping of the episode, the team decided to take turns, in two groups of four, to rest for three out of the 36 hours. Rest, which most team members admitted, was not easy to take.

"Most of the guys pretty much stayed up the whole time," recalled Maj. Mike Nielsen, a test pilot in the 416th Flight Test Squadron. "We were excited about getting it done."

The excitement and hard work paid off when the challengers produced a winning car, beating out the All-Stars.

The finished product donned a paint job and weapons system that resembled the menacing demeanor of an actual A-10. The "death race machine" had painted exterior panels, painted rivets and painted shark teeth with diamond plate panels on the inside. Gatling guns were mounted on each side, while guns stuck out of the hood and a rear-facing turret seat provided "cover fire" in the back.

"[Staff] Sergeant Brad Bove was our lead painter who did an amazing job," said Major Nielsen. "The producers even bragged about the fact that this was the second best paint job they've seen all series."

This was Sergeant Bove's last paint job before deploying to Afghanistan. In the week between competing to build the car and the judges' final decision, Sergeant Bove went overseas, but wasn't left out of the judges' announcement.

"Mad Mike," a judge on the show, gave the sergeant the good news via Skype, complimenting him on the paint job and letting him know that he and his fellow Airmen had won.

The team proved that having an Air Force edge helped them accomplish their mission and build a winning car.

"We worked well as a team. We had some disagreements here and there but we're professionals," said Major Nielson. "We came to a compromise and came to the best solution without any hard feelings, and that's just what we do in the Air Force."

"The Air Force teaches you to be disciplined, work together as a team and know your place on the team," continued Major Nielsen. "Working under pressure is something that we're used to doing in the Air Force, only the tasks that we were doing were different."

Although the Air Force team was victorious, there were hesitant smiles when asked if they'd do it again.

"Thirty-six hours is not a lot of time, especially for all of the stuff we had to do [to the car]," admitted Airman 1st Class Andrew Golseth, team mechanic and Air Force Flight Test Center Judge Advocate Office paralegal. "It was kind of ridiculous. It was the longest time of my life. I honestly don't care about being on TV again, but it was fun and it's definitely a cool memory."

"We beat the other team because we kept our build really simple," said Airman Golseth. "We did what could, and we did it right."

A team of Airmen from Edwards stand behind their four-wheeled "A-10" on the set of "Car Warriors," a car-building competition series on the Speed Channel. The Air Force team had 36 hours to plan and build a "NASCAR Death Race Machine" from a bare race car. The group of Airmen took home bragging rights after beating the All-Star team of show regulars with a better finished product. (Courtesy photo)Full size

Sunday, April 24, 2011

In my blog post 81st Fighter Squadron A-10C crashes in Germany I mentioned that the involved "Hog" should be A-10C 81-0962. Sorry, but that's wrong. According to latest aircraft spotter info, this "Spang Hog" is still flying. For a photo proof, taken on April 11, 2011, at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, please check the Dutch Scramble Messageboard's topic A-10 Warthog Crash, Germany. This latest known picture of 81-0962 was posted just today.

And here's the picture! Just only minutes after a request to the photographer on Scramble, I've got the O.K. for posting his very important photo proof on my blog.

And now we have to wait which Spang "Hog" really crashed. I'm still watching any known movements, logged or photographed by very helpful aircraft spotters. Maybe USAF's investigation report will finally disclose the jet's serial number.

Update: According to an anonymous comment to this post, it was A-10C 81-0963. Hmmm...

Saturday, April 23, 2011

4/21/2011 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The last two A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft return to the Korean Peninsula from Exercise COPE TIGER/Balikatan deployment on April 21, 2011. This occasion marks the first time that all A-10C model aircraft assigned to Osan AB ROK have been on the Korean Peninsula at the same time. The A-10C's primary mission is to provide lethal, precision firepower in any potential close air support scenario. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chad Thompson)Hi-res

Thursday, April 21, 2011

4/21/2011 - Baltimore -- The Maryland Air National Guard has new sunshades. No not the kind you wear but the kind you put over your A-10 attack aircraft. Eight new sunshades were installed at Warfield Air National Guard Base.

"The shades help us keep our aircraft maintenance personnel out of the elements while working on the aircraft", said Capt. Steve Harrigan, 175th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Commander. The shades will also protect the aircraft from rain, hail, snow and UV rays that can deteriorate gaskets, rubber seals, paint and other items costing more to maintain aircraft which will help keep maintenance costs down. Capt. Harrigan started the project over three years ago when he requested money for the eight sunshades.

"We call them airplane puppy tents", said Maj. John Hayes, 175 Wing Deputy Base Civil Engineer. Maj. Hayes touts that 1st Lt. DeJaun Saunders was the CE project manager and made sure the shades were in the proper place on the ramp and met the needs of the existing traffic flow of the airfield. Lt. Saunders managed land surveys, wind load, snow load and uplift structural test. He coordinated with all concerned parties including the Maryland Aviation Administration.

The project took approximately six weeks to erect the shades and paint the new aircraft marshalling lines.

The sunshade system is totally portable, connected via 18 bolts for each shade, 144 for the entire eight shade system. It can be packed up and moved to any other airport on a standard 40 foot flatbed trailer if needed.

Some of the safety features are a generator power lighting system, solar powered bird mitigation system to prevent birds from building nests and a fall arrest system for military personnel safety.

The first A-10C Thunderbolt II attack jet towed under the new sunshades installed at the Maryland Air National Guard, 175th Wing at Warfield Air National Guard Base in Baltimore, Md., April 21, 2011. The sunshades are design to help keep maintenance costs down. The shades will also protect the aircraft from rain, hail, snow and UV rays that can deteriorate gaskets, rubber seals, paint and other items costing more to maintain aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ed Bard)Hi-res

A-10C 81-0953 from the 75th Fighter Squadron. Sniper XR targeting pod on station 2. This one, together with A-10C 79-0139 from the 75th Fighter Squadron, was originally deployed with the 75th EFS. Both are still at Kandahar Airfield to support the 74th EFS which arrived only with 16 aircraft. (Courtesy photo)

Note: Special thanks to the photographer for sharing his rare shots exclusively on Warthog News.

Attention: All of these photos are copyrighted by the author and for personal use only. If anyone want to publish any shot for commercial use please e-mail me to send a request to the photographer.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

At least at the moment, there's no further update about 81st Fighter Squadron Libya combat operations. May be, the six originally deployed A-10Cs are still at Aviano AB, Italy, on "stand by". After a request on the Dutch Scramble Messageboard with zero feedback, anyone who can/will me give any update?

Big surprise! By trying Google for new A-10C Kandahar deployment pictures I just found these two very interesting new shots, already shared on Flickr, and probably taken by an independent photo journalist, called Tavera, from the Philippines.

Because the owner has disabled downloading of his photos, I just used allowed sharing via Blogger. I'm still trying to get in personal contact with the photographer to get his final O.K. for posting his very important pictures on my blog.

4/19/2011 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Debris is cleared from an Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II crash site near Laufeld, Germany, April 14. The aircraft crashed April 1 in a field outside Laufeld, a town north of the city of Wittlich. The pilot, Lt. Col. Scott Hurrelbrink, 81st Fighter Squadron, here was treated for injuries at the Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Bruder, and no one else was injured in the mishap. The Safety Investigation Board is continuing its investigation into the cause of the crash. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks)Hi-res

According to a 104th Fighter Wing Public Affairs news article, A-10Cs from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Fighter Group, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, are involved in Weapon System Evaluation Program (WSEP) and Exercise COMBAT ARCHER at Tyndall AFB, Florida, from 8 April to 22 April 2011.

An A-10 Warthog sits on the ramp at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. alongside the 104th Fighter Wing's F-15s Eagles as they participate in Exercise COMBAT ARCHER, during the Weapons System Evaluation Program. The exercise allows pilots and maintainers valuable training in the employment of live air-to-air munitions and tests the capabilities of the weapon systems. (photo by Master Sgt. Mark Fortin, 104th FW/PA)Hi-res

4/18/2011 - (Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.) -- Air Force personnel are trained to operate in uncertain environments and to adapt to changing circumstances. Shifting from the air to ground mission of the A-10 Warthog to the air to air mission of the F-15 Eagle presented the Barnestormers of the 104th Fighter Wing in Massachusetts with challenges associated with a major transition.

The 2007 re-designation has not been without its obstacles but 104th members have faced the transition with determination and a positive attitude that reflects their professional approach to each mission.

This trademark character was on display in support of the Weapon System Evaluation Program (WSEP) and Exercise COMBAT ARCHER at Tyndall AFB in Florida from 8 April to 22 April 2011. The two week training and evaluation program and associated exercise are designed to evaluate the entire weapons system-from aircrew to machine to weapon. Weapon performance is evaluated from the time it leaves the ammunition storage area, through loading, shooting, fly out and timeout. The exercise allows the unit to identify shortfalls in the entire weapons system. It also provides vital training for F-15 pilots to employ air to- air missiles against real world targets.

Several pilots of the previous A-10 Thunderbolt mission volunteered to train in the F-15 Eagle and remain members of the 104th. Lt. Col. Thomas Kelly, an Albany, N.Y. native, is looking forward to firing live missiles at WSEP. He served as an A-10 driver for 10 years before deciding to attend the four month school to become an F-15 pilot. Kelly felt that the camaraderie and unit cohesion of the 104th was important. "I decided that I wanted to stay at Barnes," he said. "These were the people that I served with since 98 and during OIF (Operation IRAQI FREEDOM). This is the family I was accustomed to working with and going to war with," Kelly said.

Although many of the skills learned as a Warthog pilot are commensurate with those of the Eagle, the flying practices of the two planes are distinct. The F-15 travels at a much higher speed and the G forces are greater. Having achieved a high level of proficiency as an A-10 driver, learning the new skills required as an F-15 pilot can be a difficult endeavor. "You have to check your ego, you may have been an expert on the A-10 but it takes awhile to master flying a different plane," he said.

Enlisted personnel operating on the flightline have managed to integrate established doctrine and adapt to working on a different aircraft. "The jet engine in the F-15 can suck you in, so you need to be aware," said Staff Sgt. Ryan Quigley of West Brookfield. "We will be loading a lot of missiles but it is going to be great," said the weapons loader who recently re-enlisted. At WSEP, they will be loading live weapons.

The MXG Officer in Charge (OIC) during the WSEP exercise is Maj. Peter Carr. A veteran of OIF, where as a sortie generation officer, he was part of a team that produced upwards of 40 sorties a day in a combat environment, "We had a 98% sortie effectiveness rate, we learned a lot, and the professionalism we brought home with us continues to be present on the flightline today," said the Southwick, MA resident.

"Our unit being, with the A-10 for so long, went through a culture shock moving from air-to-ground to air-to-air mission. The F-15 mission is all about radar and identifying targets from far away...it's just a different animal, but a righteous mission! We are part of new proud heritage with the Eagle and our guys are on board now. The incentive rides in the jet don't hurt either," he added.

The Maintenance Group gained 179 military positions and more than 60 full-time positions with the new mission, it speaks to the complexity of the Eagle."We have a number of people that have never been on a trip like WSEP, myself included. This is just one more résumé builder for the 104th Fighter Wing, as well as a great opportunity to get great training for Ops and Maintenance, "said Carr. "I've been in the Guard for 18 years. I had planned to be in for six, to get the educational benefits. Not long in to my first term, I found this exciting job, great people, and outstanding lifestyle. I used to work full-time at an insurance company, and you would fall asleep if I told you what I did for a living. There are days that I go home and I can't believe they pay us for this....and I can look my kids square in the eye. Glad to be here, proud to serve," he said.

An A-10 Warthog sits on the ramp at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. alongside the 104th Fighter Wing's F-15s Eagles as they participate in Exercise COMBAT ARCHER, during the Weapons System Evaluation Program. The exercise allows pilots and maintainers valuable training in the employment of live air-to-air munitions and tests the capabilities of the weapon systems. (photo by Master Sgt. Mark Fortin, 104th FW/PA)Hi-res

Monday, April 18, 2011

The following info is extracted from the 2011 Almanac issue of the "Chesapeake Guardian", official magazine of the 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard (public online PDF issue).

175th Operations Group

During 2010, the group's 107 personnel and 22 A-10C Thunderbolts organized, trained and equipped for worldwide deployments from the Korean area of responsibility to the Middle East.

2010 saw continued support for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, with the 104th Fighter Squadron deployed from January to April. The 104th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron was the first ANG unit into Kandahar Air Base and only the second A-10 unit since the base opened. The unit supported U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, special operations forces, and International Security Assistance Force coalition forces with close air support and was integral to the success of allied operations in Helmund Province.

The group also supported a Firebird and Snowbird exercise at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., dropping GBU-38 and GBU-12 bombs, shooting over 40 AGM-65 Maverick missiles, 400 rockets and 10,000 rounds of 30 mm ammunition.

In November, the group flew the first-ever Exercise Vigilant Guard initial awareness and assessment sorties, providing real-time streaming video in support of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency using the LITENING IV targeting pod and ROVER downlinks. In December, four A-10Cs deployed to Florida to work joint maritime operations with the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise as the fleet prepared for a U.S. Central Command tasking.

During this time the A-10C Thunderbolt was upgraded to Suite 6, adding more situational awareness data link, electronic warfare and self-protection upgrades to the already formidable capabilities of the Warthog. The 175th again led theentire A-10 Combat Air Force community in advancing the on-board combat systems.

MissionProvides highly trained and equipped combat mission ready forces prepared for worldwide mobility commitment. Employs 22 A-10C aircraft in a multitude of taskings to include close air support, forward air controller, combat search and rescue, withall-weather and night precision capability.

PersonnelCommander: Lt. Col. Paul ZurkowskiOfficers: 30Enlisted: 27

175th Operations Support Flight

MissionProvides intelligence, weather, life support, airfield operations and aviation resource management training, as well as aircrew training and scheduling to maintain and ensure support for 22 A-10C aircraft. Ensures squadron and group readiness to accomplish combat missions worldwide.

The F-15E Strike Eagle , the P-51D Mustang, and the A-10 Thunderbolt II fly in formation during the Charleston Air Expo 2011 Apr. 9. All the demonstrators showed their precision flying for nearly 80,000 people during the Expo. The three aircraft represent more than 60 years of US military air superiority. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Chrissy Best)

A press release, published today by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems:

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has been awarded a $32.5 million contract for 30mm ammunition by the U.S. Army Contracting Command in Rock Island, Ill. The award consists of a mixture of new production of PGU-13 D/B cartridges and the remanufacture of existing U.S. Air Force inventory of PGU-13 HEI cartridges.

The PGU-13 is a high-explosive incendiary (HEI) round, predominately used in air-to-ground and close-air support by the Air Force's A-10 Thunderbolt attack aircraft. Fired from the A-10's 30mm GAU-8 Avenger cannon, the PGU-13 provides incendiary effects against an array of targets. The ammunition has been extensively used in operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

"The PGU-13 has been widely used in combat operations since Desert Storm, demonstrating excellent performance and reliability with A-10's cannon," said Tim McAuliffe, vice president and general manager of medium-caliber ammunition. "This is the first production of the PGU-13 in over 20 years to replenish critical levels in the Air Force's inventory."

Work will be performed in Marion, Ill., with an estimated completion date of July 2012.

General Dynamics is the only U.S. manufacturer that can produce all three rounds in the 30mm x 173 ammunition family. Along with the PGU-13, the family consists of the PGU-14/B API and PGU-15/B TP that provide armor penetration and training capability, respectively, to the Air Force.

For more information about General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, please visit www.gd-ots.com.

More information about General Dynamics is available online at www.generaldynamics.com.

4/15/2011 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- It is important to flying operations to maintain the engine properly, part of which is performing what is called an "engine run."

An engine run is when an uninstalled engine is put on an engine stand, and tested for functionality. Becoming certified to run this process takes six months of on-the-job training and a specialized two-day course.

The engine test cell Airmen of the 23rd CMS do engine runs for a number of reasons.

"What we do here is test TF-34 engines," said Tech. Sgt. Joe Bruning, 23rd CMS NCO in charge. "When we test the engine we do a preinspection and make sure there are no safety issues. Then we hook everything up and determine whether everything is working properly by doing engine runs.

"Running the engine on the stand 'breaks in' the parts so there is less wear from rapid acceleration and deceleration then there would be if it was in the plane," said Sergeant Bruning.

As important as it is to perform engine runs, there is a shortage of qualified Moody Airmen.

"There are currently only two Moody Airmen who are qualified to run uninstalled engines," said Sergeant Hodges. "Two to three Airmen a year are certified on engine runs, and Airmen are required to get recertified every six months."

Sergeant Hodges is a detached instructor and the only Moody Airman qualified to instruct the two-day course.

"The course teaches the process of doing engine runs, emergency procedures, and familiarization with the hush houses and equipment," said Sergeant Bruning. "The first day of the course is in a classroom setting and includes two tests. The second day is the hands-on portion of the training."

Sergeant Hodges who instructs the course explains the hands on training.

"During the hands on training they will complete dry runs," said Sergeant Hodges. "During a dry run the students perform all the normal procedures without actually running the engine."

Engine runs are a necessary part of maintaining the A-10C Thunderbolt II's here at Moody. To increase the efficiency of the manpower in the 23rd CMS, Sergeant Hodges trains other Airmen in the process of engine runs during the two-day course.

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.-- A TF-34 engine sits on a T-20 C engine test stand before receiving maintenance and undergoing a engine run April 14. An engine run is when an uninstalled engine is put on an engine stand and tested for functionality. Airmen who are qualified to run uninstalled engines have to get recertified every six months. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joshua Green)Hi-res

A-10C 80-0188. The new Air Force Outstanding Unit Award emblem is still hidden by a piece of tapped paper.

A-10C 80-0188. Air Force members are unveiling the new Air Force Outstanding Unit Award emblem.

A-10C 80-0188. The new Air Force Outstanding Unit Award emblem is unvailed now.

A-10C 80-0188. Col. Tom Anderson is interviewed.

188th earns 'Outstanding Unit' award

The City WireSubmitted by The City Wire staff on Wed, 04/13/2011 - 9:17am

The 188th Fighter Wing has earned the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, with the new award emblem to be affixed to the unit's A-10 aircraft.

Presentation of an A-10 with the new emblem is scheduled for 11 a.m., Thursday (April 14), at the base. Col. Tom Anderson, 188th Fighter Wing commander, is expected to provide details on the accomplishments that resulted in the award.

The 188th Fighter Wing obtained a new flying mission despite initial recommendations from the 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) to end the wing's flying mission.

The 188th recently finished its conversion from the F-16 to the A-10C and completed its first combat tour in the Warthog. The 188th's outstanding accomplishments during that aircraft conversion and subsequent deployment earned the wing the coveted Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the period Oct. 1, 2008, to Sept. 30, 2010.

In just more than five years, the 188th Fighter Wing has gone from being on the verge of losing its flying mission to receiving an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

It is the second-highest award a U.S. Air Force unit can receive, ranking only behind the Meritorious Unit Award.

"This is a very proud day for the 188th Fighter Wing, the men and women make this possible. We're a traditional force during the week; two-thirds of us work somewhere in the community and when it's time to go serve our country, we stop our jobs in the community and come serve our country," said Col. Tom Anderson, 188th commander.

In addition to the work of the men and women of the 188th, Anderson said the support of the community is instrumental, and without it the unit might not be celebrating this achievement.

In July 2005, the Pentagon recommended stripping the 188th of its primary mission, F-16 fighters, pilots and about 700 employees.

A local task force guided by civic leaders appealed that decision to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission, which in August 2005 voted to remove F-16s from the 188th and replace them with A-10s.

Documentation supporting the unit's nomination for the award listed a tremendous list of accomplishments during that time, which included:

• Completed conversion from the F-16 to the A-10 ahead of schedule.

• Maintained a mission capable rate for its aircraft above the Air National Guard average, including the highest mission capable rate among A-10 units between August 2009 and July 2010.

• Deployed more than 300 personnel to more than 19 countries.

• Developed a solution for an Air Force-wide avionics problems with the A-10, allowing the 188th to become the only unit authorized to do repairs outside the normal repair centers, which save taxpayers more than $1.5 million.

• The 188th recruiters were awarded the Patriot Team Award as the Air National Guard's top national recruiting office.

• Missed zero required tasks during a deployment to Afghanistan, less than a month after completing conversion from the F-16 to A-10.

On Thursday, Anderson revealed the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award emblem, which is affixed to each of the unit's aircraft, complete with an oak leaf cluster to signify the unit has received the award multiple times.

The 188th also received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award in July 1977.

Associated picture:

Warm Welcome - Lt. Col. Ray Hunter waves to family and friends as he taxis his A-10C Thunderbolt II to a stop at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in May 2010. Hunter was one of 10 pilots with the 188th Fighter Wing of the Arkansas Air National Guard who flew their planes home from a Guard base in Baltimore after a two-month deployment in Afganistan. (Photo by Corey S. Krasko / Times Record)

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Today, from a new personal contact, who wants to remain anonymous, I got exclusively the very first known pictures of A-10Cs, currently deployed with the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. All photos were taken March 20, 2011.

On his Flickr photostream, Warthog News contributor Ned Harris from the United States published this close-up picture of an A-10C, carrying a Sidewinder missile directly mounted on Pylon 1 and not, as usual, on a Dual Rail Adapter (DRA). Is that really possible???

4/13/2011 - A three-man explosive ordnance disposal team from the 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron assesses the simulated damage on an A-10C Thunderbolt II during training April 12 at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. The team was called in to remove a fuse from a Mark 82 bomb. The training was used to help two Airmen with their upgrade training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Stephanie Mancha)Hi-res

A-10C 81-0939 from the 354th Fighter Squadron making a panel check at the Barry Goldwater Bomb and Gunnery Range near Gila Bend, Arizona. Note the crew box on the nose with the 358th Lobos design and the mid-fuselage 354th Bulldogs squadron patch. (Photo by James O'Rear)Full size

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Today, from Arnold ten Pas from the Netherlands, Editor of the Dutch Scramble Magazine, I got the following exclusive pictures, all taken at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, April 6, 2011. Pictured are four A-10Cs departing NAS Sigonella enroute Lajes. Due to bad weather conditions, these are not the best pictures but they give an idea of the movement nevertheless.

Dedicated in Love

This blog is dedicated to Marina Naumann, my latest female partner who died after incurable pancreas cancer on June 17, 2010, just only a half year after diagnosis. Marina was the second true wife in my life, and she always supported my long-year enthusiastic research work on the Hog, especially since the beginning of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Rest in peace, Marina.